Ruadhán Jones
Delays in responses from the HSE’s schools Covid-19 helpline have added to stress levels in an “extra-challenging” start to the school year.
“The HSE’s response times need to improve, it’s causing unacceptable stress-levels for principals,” warned Seamus Mulconry, General Secretary for the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA).
“Though it’s only September, principals have told me that it feels like November in terms of work pressure.”
While there has been speculation around the restrictions easing for schools, Mr Mulconry said they have “not been informed of any changes” and will wait for discussions with the Department for Education.
Regardless, Mr Mulconry said he thinks “the HSE’s support and principal helplines need to improve”, though there have been signs that response times are picking up.
The message schools are keen to convey to the Government is to “put in the resources”, Mr Mulconry added.
“With speedy response times and the necessary resources, we can manage the situation,” he continued. “But we need the resources.”
There was a 48% increase in the number of Covid-19 cases detected among children aged between four and 12 over the seven days to Sunday September 12, HSE data shows.
“It’s been an extra-challenging start and we have a long year ahead us,” Mr Mulconry finished.
Meanwhile, a Catholic secondary school’s body said that the return has being “going well” compared with last year, though there are still some issues.
“There are concerns obviously around Covid and cases in schools, but we’re hopeful that will improve in the coming months,” said John Curtis, general secretary of the Joint Managerial Board (JMB), an organisation representing voluntary Catholic secondary schools.
The effect of vaccination among 12-17-year-olds has been credited with the lower number of cases.
“We’re very pleased that so many young peoples among the 12-17-year-old cohort have taken up vaccines,” Mr Curtis added. “We believe this will continue to have a positive effect as we go on.”